DEA Releases 2026 Aggregate Production Quotas
WASHINGTON – This week the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration released the established aggregate production quotas (APQ) for schedule I and II controlled substances and assessment of annual needs (AAN) for the list I chemicals ephedrine, pseudoephedrine, and phenylpropanolamine for 2026.
“DEA is committed to ensuring that patients can access the prescription medications that they need to stay healthy,” said DEA Assistant Administrator of Diversion Control Cheri Oz. “DEA takes seriously its responsibility to set aggregate quotas at a level that ensures an adequate supply of controlled substances for medical, research, and export needs for the year.”
DEA is mandated by law to determine APQ/AAN each year considering a variety of information, including reliable data and information received by the agency, and relevant information obtained from the Department of Health and Human Services.
This requirement limits the amount of schedule I and II controlled substances and the three list I chemicals that can be manufactured to meet the medical, scientific, research and industrial needs of the United States, for lawful export requirements, and for the establishment and maintenance of reserve stocks. Quantities may be adjusted throughout the year at the DEA Administrator’s discretion.
DEA remains committed to monitoring for drug shortages, limiting their impact, and resolving them as quickly as possible by proactively monitoring drug production, distribution, and supply throughout the year. Drug shortages may occur due to factors outside of DEA’s control, such as manufacturing and quality problems, processing delays, supply chain disruptions, or discontinuations. DEA coordinates closely with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to prevent or alleviate drug shortages.
If a patient is faced with a delay in receiving their medications, the patient may request a one-time transfer of initial dispensing of an electronic prescription for Schedules II–V controlled substances from one retail pharmacy to another retail pharmacy if authorized under state law.
DEA continues to seek additional information to assist in accurately forecasting domestic medical usage and export requirements of schedule I or II substances.
The final order, which establishes the initial 2026 APQ for controlled substances in schedules I and II of the Controlled Substances Act and the AAN for the list I chemicals ephedrine, pseudoephedrine, and phenylpropanolamine, went into effect January 5, 2026.
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